Large bolt pattern axles

[magnumdart]

Can I pull the small bolt pattern axles out of my A body 8 3/4 sure grip diff and swap in axles with large bolt pattern from an A body car?

 

[doug 371]

Can I pull the small bolt pattern axles out of my A body 8 3/4 sure grip diff and swap in axles with large bolt pattern from an A body car?

No

 

[dano]

No A-Body width 8-3/4 came from the factory with large bolt pattern axels. 7-1/4, 8-1/4, 9-1/4 and Dana 60 will not work.

You'll need aftermarket axles and then large bolt pattern brakes from a B, E, C Truck or Van. Just know your rears overall width drum to drum will widen some unless you get A-body width large bolt pattern axles and drill your drums as those do exist.

People have drilled the flanges (and drums) to be large bolt pattern, but I wouldn't do it.

 

[4mulas]

You bet you can! So long as the large bolt pattern A body axles came from an 8.75 diff. If this is the case it means someone has upgraded the axles from your donor diff.

Or:

After market large bolt pattern axles for your diff are aLeo available from doctor diff for I think 300 bucks. Bolt in, change backing plates, brakes and go!

 

[Locomotion]

It's possible to order aftermarket big bolt pattern axles with the smaller brake drum register and properly machined bearing shoulder so you can keep the original small brake assemblies. But it is more common to swap to the easier to find & maintain E/B/late A-body drums & backing plate assemblies. Gotta give the axle manufacturer all the details of what you have & what you want. Naturally, the axle housing width and axle lengths have to be compatible too.

 

[magnumdart]

Well my '74 came with a 71/4. I have two units with small bolt patterns. One is complete with backing plates.
And I won't redrill the old axles. Maybe somebody might be able to use them.
So looks like at the very least new axles...or buy a pair of Rally wheels. Probably the same cost.
Next stop...Dr. Diff.
Thanks all.

 

[doug 371]

Well my '74 came with a 71/4. I have two units with small bolt patterns. One is complete with backing plates.
And I won't redrill the old axles. Maybe somebody might be able to use them.
So looks like at the very least new axles...or buy a pair of Rally wheels. Probably the same cost.
Next stop...Dr. Diff.
Thanks all.

Save the brakes off the big bolt 7 1/4 to use with the new axles.

 

[340sFastback]

Aftermarket large bolt pattern A body axles are 3/4 inch longer (each axle) to accommodate large bolt pattern drum brakes. Doctor Diff can hook you up with any length axle you want.